1964 Dodge M43 Ambulance Build

[SWbySWesty]

Yes, I did something dumb. I have vehicle ADD. Seriously. I sold my good Jeep (2004 WJ) and picked up a 1964 Dodge M43 Ambulance in good condition. Runs and drives great, just needs TLC: gauges, exhaust manifold, quick paint. That's really it. :smiley_drive:
.
Without further ado:
.

.
As it sits:
Original I6 motor and trans (has a few leaks, but doesn't look bad)
315 size ProComp mud terrains
Power steering
Cab heater (not working)
Wired for stereo
Has cabin lights
Has ambo box interior lights
Used to have historical vehicle license plates in CA
.
Plans:
1. Exhaust Manifold (NOS) - current one is cracked. Engine is LOUD
2. Paint - likely a quick sand and spray job since this is camping rig - not a restoration
3. Drive it and fix things slowly - although it's not very practical so it will constantly be for sale since I should have kept my Jeep for the practicality.
4. Watch people oogle, wave, smile and take pictures as I drive by :drool:

 

[Herbie]

Subscribed!

When this popped up in the Craigslist thread, I just KNEW somebody was going to make a project of it. Congrats!

 

[charlieaarons]

I own a M37.
Improvements that can be made on chassis to make it a road-friendlier vehicle:
diesel engine (currently the engine to have is a Cummins 4BT)
5 spd transmission (like NV4500) especially with Cummins
disk brakes especially in front
4.89 diffs
power steering
radial tires like Michelin XZL 255/100R16 (Chinese copies on Craigslist, probably can be found with search of this forum)
and for offroad prowess Lockright diffs (only use in front if you have PS)

Otherwise you will get 8-10 mpg with a top speed of 50 or at the most 55 mph engine maxed out at 3200 rpm
With 4.89s, NV4500 and the 255 tires you will be turning ~2050 rpm at 60 mph (don't recommend much faster even with mods) and get 18-20 mpg

Charlie

 

[SWbySWesty]

Did you do these mods at home or pay a shop? I found a Cummins 4Bt, and a few nv4500's. It's already got radial tires. Last would be discs and gears. I honestly cannot swap an engine. No space or proper tools, I'd have to pay to play.

 

[charlieaarons]

Did them all myself except for the diff work. I have a Hercules 3.7L turbo-intercooled 4 cyl - no longer available. this level of buildup isn't cheap but is what is needed to bring a M37/43 to a modern expedition vehicle standard for long distance travel.

Charlie

 

[goin camping]

I've seen more than a few Chevy 350 w/ Chevy 4 speed tranny swaps in SoCal. Other than moving the radiator forward and shafts. They all tell me it's pretty straightforward.

 

[redthies]

Sand or OD paint? Or even Korea/Nam vintage camo?

 

[SWbySWesty]

I've seen more than a few Chevy 350 w/ Chevy 4 speed tranny swaps in SoCal. Other than moving the radiator forward and shafts. They all tell me it's pretty straightforward.

The problem is I can't do it myself. It seems straightforward, but I don't have the place or tools (def no engine hoist, etc). I'll have to pay a shop or a private party. If I'm repowering, I'd rather go diesel since most of my driving will be long distance to all the SoCal peeps. :smiley_drive: and 17-20mpg sounds better than 12. Anybody know a SoCal private guy who'd do it if I brought an engine over? I think the 4bt cummins will bolt to the stock trans. Add 4.89 gears and I'll cruise at 60mph easy.

Sand or OD paint? Or even Korea/Nam vintage camo?

There is a M37 a block away that is Sand - but I don't think that's the original color. Also, the OD green will be easier to spray since it's darker and won't show stuff underneath.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Is VPW (Vintage Power Wagons) in Iowa still around? I went by their shop in 1992. They are a good resource. Military vehicles magazine is a great resource even if you don't plan a period correct resto.

I see you got rid of the split rims (or the previous owner did.) That should make tire selection much easier.

Does it have the ambulance gear? The surgery light, the rear heater and the folding step for the back doors? If so, and if you don't plan on a restoration, you can sell those to fund your project. From what I recall when I had my M43 they are in high demand.

 

[onemanarmy]

Vintage Power Wagons is still going, a good resource

checked out a M43 for myself yesterday, we'll see if I can get it. cool rigs.

 

[mp_tx]

I have a stalled 4BT M37 repower sitting at my rent house. 4BT is installed and mated to an NV4500. Ran out of time and effort trying to find a way to mate the 29 spline NV4500 to the 23 spline NP205, and then ran out of steam, so it sits.... I think I have the adapter figured out, so I might get back on it one of these days. Too many projects, so little time.

I have some spare stuff for sale that might interest you for your M43:
--New Ugly Truckling disc brake kit for one axle
--H1 wheel centers in Budd pattern (would allow you to recenter surplus H1 rims to BUDD pattern and run cheapo surplus 37" MTR's or BFG Baja's)
--Superwinch lockout hubs, new in box and no longer in production

 

[tin]

This sounds way more interesting than a new Jeep! It seems like doing the Cummins swap is well worth it, even in fuel costs, never mind drivability. Maybe you could rent a garage for a month or two to do a swap, rent a hoist too... On another note, have you thought bout roller painting instead of spray? Super cheap and durable. I'm subscribed, most interesting thread i've come across in a while!

 

[Martinjmpr]

Vintage Power Wagons is still going, a good resource

checked out a M43 for myself yesterday, we'll see if I can get it. cool rigs.

If it's local to you in NC, shoot a picture of it. It might be my old one. I sold it to a guy in Fayette-nam in 1995. I had rattlecanned it flat black.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Progress...turns out this thing is wrapped in vinyl!
.
Starting to look goooood. I'm going to keep the fuel filler and headlights black. Kinda neat:
.

 

[SWbySWesty]

All finished painting! Yes, I realize the roof isn't done, but I'll get to it another time.